This is not your usual HikingUpward location – many might claim it is not a hike at all! But if you find yourself in West Virginia on U.S. 219 between Marlinton and Lewisburg, say on your way to the Cranberry Wilderness, this delightful detour is well worth your time. And if you have travelers aged 10 or younger, this is a must see. They will love it at least as much as you do!

Note that the park is open daily from April to October. During the closed winter season the park notes that “foot travel to the boardwalk area is welcome, with parking available at the closed entrance gate,” creating a slightly longer access walk.

No fee is charged to visit Beartown State Park, and no camping is allowed. The land was purchased in 1970 with funds from the Nature Conservancy and a donation in memory of a local soldier who lost his life in the Vietnam War. The Beartown name was chosen because local residents claimed that many cave-like openings in the rocks made perfect winter dens for black bears.